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Published on: January 12, 2018
Women's experience of an Australian metropolitan publicly funded homebirth program: Respect, integrity, trust, and
Linda Sweet1, Katherine O'Driscoll2, Tija Blums3
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Western Health, St Albans, VIC, Australia.
Background:
There is a body of research evidence that analyses why women choose to give birth at home. However, recent research is lacking on women's experiences of a publicly funded homebirth in Australia.
Aim:
To examine the experiences of women receiving care from one publicly funded homebirth service in metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria.
Methods:
A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was undertaken. Thirty-one women, with a total of 39 pregnancy experiences representative of the range of experiences (had a homebirth, transferred to hospital peripartum, or became ineligible for the program), participated. Data were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically.
Findings:
Overall, women were satisfied with their experience of the program. The overarching theme was empowering women in maternity care, evident through the acronym RITE, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Empowerment. Recommendations for improving the program include enhanced promotion, expansion to other health services, and broader, more inclusive inclusion criteria in publicly funded homebirth programs.
Conclusion:
The challenge for publicly funded homebirth programs is maintaining a safe and effective service while expanding programs that are more responsive to women's individual needs.
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